Monument record TR 34 NW 365 - Asql Bombing Decoy 'West Langdon B'

Summary

A Second World War bombing decoy site at West Langdon, known as West Langdon B. It was constructed in August 1943 for Operation Starkey, a deception program designed to trick Germany into believing that Britain was preparing for a cross-Channel landing in September. This was an Assault 'QL' ('ASQL') decoy, which displayed lighting to simulate a bomb dump and vehicle convoy to create the illusion of troops gathering near Dover. It was active during August and September 1943. West Langdon B was one of five 'ASQL' decoys in the Dover group.

Location

Grid reference TR 3330 4820 (point)
Map sheet TR34NW
County KENT
District DOVER, KENT
Civil Parish LANGDON, DOVER, KENT

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

A Second World War 'ASQL' bombing decoy located at West Langdon (TR 333 482), known as West Langdon B. It was constructed in August 1943 for Operation Starkey, a deception program designed to trick Germany into believing that Britain was preparing for a cross-Channel landing in September. The 'ASQL' (Assault QL) decoys were lighting displays intended to simulate dumps, camps and vehicle convoys to give the illusion of troops assembling at the southern coast of England. The 'ASQL' decoys were in operation between August and September 1943. West Langdon B was part of the group of decoys for Dover. Further decoys in the Dover group were located at Burmarsh (TR 091 328), Wigmore A (TR 177 485), Wigmore B (TR 204 449) and West Langdon A (TR 316 467). (1)


<1> Dobinson C., 01/01/00, Fields of Deception: Britain’s Bombing Decoys of World War II (Bibliographic reference). SKE15274.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Bibliographic reference: Dobinson C.. 01/01/00. Fields of Deception: Britain’s Bombing Decoys of World War II.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

  • Non-Intrusive Event: LANDSCAPES OF WAR RECORDING PROJECT (EKE25900)

Record last edited

Feb 9 2026 2:33PM